In the process of designing one of my patterns I stumbled onto Tunisian Crochet without knowing what it was! After doing quite a bit more research, I discovered that Tunisian crochet is actually quite closely related in construction to the chainless foundation technique, which is also used in this design.

Even if you are NOT familiar with chainless foundation or Tunisian crochet, this piece is simple enough to assure success. I include links to tutorials with pictures to help out in discerning the different stitches being used.

The striped effect is made by using variegated, or ‘self-striping’ thread which reduces the number of thread ends. The head and border and the bottom of the face may be worked in coordinating solid colors or with the same variegated color. The facial features are then embroidered on with small lengths of other colors.